Step into the charmingly cunning world of Mark Treasure, where a sharp-witted merchant banker turns amateur sleuth to unravel mysteries across England and Wales! David Williams’ Mark Treasure Mystery series blends classic British whodunits with a dash of financial flair, delivering 17 novels packed with murder, intrigue, and a delightful dose of humor. With his actress wife Molly by his side, Treasure navigates quirky characters and complex cases, making this series a hidden gem for mystery lovers.
From sleepy Welsh villages to bustling London streets, each book offers a fresh puzzle, steeped in the traditions of Golden Age mysteries but spiced with modern wit. Ready to dive into a world where banking meets sleuthing? Let’s explore the Mark Treasure series!
How Mark Treasure Began
Born in Bridgend, Wales, David Williams was a successful advertising executive until a stroke in 1977 prompted a career pivot. Having already penned his first novel, Unholy Writ (1976), Williams turned to writing full-time, creating the Mark Treasure series. Inspired by his own Oxford education and business expertise, Williams crafted Treasure as a sophisticated banker with a knack for solving crimes, blending his love for classic mysteries with sharp social commentary.
The series, published between 1976 and 1994, reflects Williams’ knack for weaving financial acumen into intricate plots. His background in advertising lent authenticity to Treasure’s corporate world, while his Welsh roots infused the settings with vivid charm. The result? A unique sleuth whose adventures captivated readers and earned two Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger nominations.
The Heart of Mark Treasure
The Mark Treasure series kicks off with Unholy Writ, where Treasure investigates a suspicious death tied to a historic manor, setting the tone for his blend of brains and bravado. In Treasure by Degrees, he tackles a murder amid a university takeover battle, dodging sheep’s heads and bomb scares. Murder for Treasure, a Gold Dagger finalist, sees him in a Welsh village, unraveling a corporate conspiracy after a body washes ashore. Treasure in Roubles takes him to Soviet Russia, where a stolen painting and a Kirov Opera House murder test his sleuthing skills.
Themes of greed, deception, and societal quirks run deep, with Treasure’s financial expertise often key to cracking cases. The series’ settings—picturesque Welsh coasts, Oxford’s academic halls, and London’s corporate jungle—ground the stories in a distinctly British flavor. Williams’ witty dialogue and intricate plots, often compared to Michael Innes, keep readers guessing, while Molly’s charisma adds warmth to the sleuthing duo’s dynamic.
Unlike gritty modern thrillers, the series leans into cozy mystery vibes, with a nod to Agatha Christie’s clever plotting. Yet, its focus on business and power struggles gives it a fresh edge, appealing to readers who enjoy intellectual puzzles wrapped in humor and charm.
Why Mark Treasure Resonates
Though not as famous as Poirot or Marple, Mark Treasure holds a special place in the hearts of cozy mystery fans. The series’ blend of financial intrigue and classic sleuthing offers a refreshing twist, while its vivid settings transport readers to a bygone Britain. Williams’ ability to balance humor with suspense keeps the books timeless, as seen in their reprints by publisher Bello, which introduced Treasure to new generations.
Fans on Goodreads praise the series’ wit and “classic British mystery” feel, with titles like Murder for Treasure lauded for their Dylan Thomas-inspired whimsy. For those craving clever, character-driven mysteries, Treasure’s adventures remain a delightful escape, proving that even a banker can be a hero in the right story.
- About Mark Treasure
- Publication Years: 1976–1994
- Number of Books: 17
- Awards: Two Gold Dagger Award nominations
- Author: David Williams, Welsh advertising executive turned novelist
Ready to crack a case with a banker-turned-detective? Grab Unholy Writ and dive into Mark Treasure’s witty, mysterious world!